on a low fire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a low fire" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in cooking instructions to indicate that food should be cooked at a low heat setting. Example: "To make the sauce, simmer the ingredients on a low fire for about 30 minutes until thickened."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"My mother sits on a taboret," a little stool, he said, "and uses a pot set on a low fire".

The New York Times - Food

Roast the coriander and cumin seeds on a low fire.

WikiHow

After that, heat the juice on a low fire until it starts boiling.

WikiHow

Add the brown sugar and let it simmer on a low fire for about an hour.

WikiHow

Place a lid on the skillet and let it simmer on a low fire for about an hour.

WikiHow

Stir well and let it cook covered on a low fire for 10 minutes, when the tomatoes would have cooked and the gravy would have thickened.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

On a cool day with a low fire, this may not be necessary.

WikiHow

The modulatory effect of the 5-HT1B agonist was dependent on the firing rate of the recorded neurons: The effect tended to be facilitative for neurons with a high firing rate, and suppressive for those with a low firing rate.

Cerebral Cortex

Cook on a low flame.

WikiHow

Cook covered on a very low fire.

The New York Times

Turn on a small fire.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "on a low fire" in cooking instructions, be specific about the desired outcome, such as simmering or slow cooking. This helps ensure the cook understands the intended process.

Common error

Avoid using "on a low fire" when a higher heat setting is required. Ensure the heat level aligns with the desired cooking method to prevent undercooking or burning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a low fire" typically functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something should be cooked or heated. Ludwig AI confirms that it appears in cooking instructions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a low fire" is a prepositional phrase used primarily in cooking instructions to specify a gentle, consistent heat level. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While grammatically correct, it's less common than alternatives like "over low heat". The phrase appears in various sources, including WikiHow, news outlets, and scientific publications. When using the phrase, clarity is key; specify the desired outcome, such as simmering, to avoid ambiguity and ensure culinary success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

over low heat

Focuses on the heat level rather than the fire itself.

at a low simmer

Specifies a gentle boiling action, implying low heat.

on a gentle flame

Uses the term 'flame' instead of 'fire', implying a small flame.

at a reduced heat

Emphasizes the reduction of heat from a higher setting.

with low heat applied

More formal phrasing to indicate low heat.

using a low flame

Highlights the use of a low flame for cooking.

under low temperature

Describes the heat in terms of temperature.

at a slow burn

Implies a gradual cooking process.

on the lowest setting

Refers to the heat control setting on a cooking appliance.

with minimal heat

Highlights the small amount of heat used.

FAQs

How to use "on a low fire" in a sentence?

You can use "on a low fire" to indicate that food should be cooked at a gentle, consistent heat. For example, "Simmer the sauce "on a low fire" for 30 minutes".

What can I say instead of "on a low fire"?

Alternatives include "over low heat", "at a low simmer", or "on a gentle flame", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "on a low fire" or "over low heat"?

Both "on a low fire" and "over low heat" are correct, but "over low heat" is more common in contemporary cooking instructions.

What does it mean to cook something "on a low fire"?

Cooking "on a low fire" means applying a minimal amount of heat to gently cook food, preventing burning and allowing flavors to meld slowly.